Touring caravan site at Monksthorpe given the green-light

The go-ahead has been given for a 30-tourer caravan site to be developed on part of the former wartime airbase in Monksthorpe, near Great Steeping.

But before work can start on the project, applicant Henry Smith will have to submit a landscaping scheme that meets with the approval of East Lindsey planning authority.

In addition, the foul water system will have to be connected to a septic tank – not the old oil separation tanks that served the old RAF garages.

In a presentation to the planning committee, Mr Smith said the site, which he bought 12 years ago, already included holiday lodges all but one of whose “clients” were satisfied with the way things were run.

He insisted: “I want to make things better and support the local economy.”

Councillors also heard from objector Pete Siddon, a holiday lodge resident, who alleged that the applicant had a record of breaching planning regulations, disregarding enforcement notices and failing to comply with licensing conditions.

Coun Phil Kemp opposed the proposal, claiming it was a “bleak place whose only attraction was its isolation”.

He continued: “I have doubts about the sustainability of this location – it does not offer anything.”

Coun Steve O’Dare disagreed. claiming that some tourers preferred a site offering “peace and quiet” over one that offered a shop and a swimming pool.

The committee voted 10-3 in favour of approving the development subject to all the planning conditions being met.

It is not known when work will start on the project or if it will be ready for the 2013 holiday season.